David Lockeretz – Number 4 Train (Single Review)

Americana and Jazz are two branches branching out of the tapestry that encapsulates the rich and potent history of American music. They are both extremely distinct and poignant when it comes to factors such as musical variability, degree of relevance as well as simply- touching the human condition well enough for people to relate to it. Combine it together, and you might get one of the most American and culturally potent sounds one can expose themselves to. In today’s review, we will explore an artist that does just exactly that and analyze its potential.

The artist in question is David Lockeretz, who has just released a single titled ‘Number 4 Train’. It is a double-tracked single featuring two songs, titled ‘Number 4 Train’ as well as ‘Last of their Kind’. These songs are jazzy with a definite Americana influence, paying homage to a song called ‘Take the A-Train’. Notable instruments in these tracks include the mandolin, harmonica, piano, upright bass as well as drums, typical features of both genres.

The first track, ‘Number 4 Train’, is extremely cosy and relatable in a weird way. It exudes warmth, sophistication, but also a sense of mirth in how well it characterizes its genres. It sounds like as if it could be a thematic backing track to the show ‘In The Heat of the Night’, mixed with the passion of smooth jazz and the slight whimsicalness of Americana itself. I like the slight juxtaposition between both genres, as it gives each genre the edge it lacks like a Venn diagram- completing them in whole.

The timbre of the jazz notes of the song give it a groove and a depth to it, while the Americana aspect completes the melody and the ‘peak’ of how the song can tickle your brain. I can definitely appreciate the use of musical improvisation and variability when it comes to the notes of the bass, piano as well as the mandolin. It takes the listener out of the mode of the ‘drone-like’ trance of repeating bars, furnishing each motif with a note you may not expect at the end of each bar. The song ends in a fluttery yet intense stampede of drum and piano, giving the song an apt silver lining.

The second track, ‘Last of Their Kind’, gives off a completely different feeling from the initial track on the release. This song has a gospel-like Americana chord structure, embellished with jazz modes. It is extremely deep and sentimental but plays with the typical jazz motif of non-resolution sandwiched between resolution. I’d say, in terms of composition and execution, this track could also be classified as a modern classical piece. It weaves through various chord progressions and surprises you in elements where you think you’d be able to predict the voicing. It is extremely poignant.

I’d definitely conclude with the fact that this release was a wonderful and excellent attempt at mixing elements of jazz, Americana and classical music together. It was also very well mastered and engineered, making it so that each instrument in the composition could truly shine with its intended role in the whole piece. Nothing sounded ‘out-of-place’ or rushed as if the artist took his time out to slowly and fruitfully compose these tunes with earnestness. There is a genuineness to the quality of the release, which I truly appreciate.

Moving forward, I hope the artist takes the time to find other genres to mix with these genres as well. His high skill in merging various sounds seamlessly could definitely be expanded upon- you might never know what could work, even when you think it can’t. I think this release should also be listened to by anyone and everyone. Its level of competency makes the music pretty much universal.

Score/Excellent: David Lockeretz does a wonderful job at combining aspects of Americana with Jazz in ‘Number 4 Train’. It is extremely well-mastered and well-composed, leaving audiences with a better appreciation for both genres at the end of both songs. The release is quaint and poignant, with accents of ingenuity.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow David Lockeretz on:

Instagram

Facebook